DETROIT -- Freshman Jill Johnson (Livonia, MI/Mercy) of the women's fencing team is headed to Tuscaloosa, AL as part of the University of Detroit Mercy's University Ministry Alternative Winter Break (AWB) Program. From Jan. 1-8, Johnson will be part of a group of eight individuals, including six students, who will help provide tornado relief over the break.

The Alternative Spring Break program has been part of the University Ministry since 1989 and has grown to the point where the addition of the winter break program was added just last year when three students went to New Orleans. Tuscaloosa was selected as the destination for this year because Virginia Stanard, a professor in UDM's architecture department, is from that area. Stanard is one of the eight who will be making the trip.

“We worked with [Virginia] to set that up. We really try to give students a chance to help out and learn about themselves and others,” said Drew Peters of UDM's University Ministry who will also be heading down to Alabama. “This keeps with our overall mission and it provides the students a chance to have a compassionate service where they can offer and change their perspective of the world. They can transform the life of a community and transform their own lives as well.”

Johnson is the lone Titan athlete scheduled to be on the winter trip. She first wanted to go after attending a retreat before school started along with other members of UDM's University Ministry. There, she had the opportunity meet other people in the ministry and learn more on what the program was about.

“When I came to UDM, I met the amazing people who are part of campus ministry and was drawn to AWB,” said Johnson. “My main reason for wanting to go on AWB is to help a family or a group of people who are in need of willing hands to improve their living conditions. I love the opportunity to help give a family its home back.”

While the group is away, they will be working with the United Methodist Church Relief effort and staying at Camp Coker. Camp Coker is a place that houses groups and individuals who come to the area to provide help from the tornado devastation earlier this year.

“We advertise that our program will change the way you view the world. We do it all to be in service to others and it is just a great experience highlighting what were about here at the university,” added Peters.

In order to sign up for AWB, there is open enrollment and students must first apply. The program looks to have certain majors and athletes make the trip because there are no classes and there are fewer sports in session over the winter break providing a greater chance for students to go. Students who make the trip fundraise in order to help cover their expenses.

“I couldn't imagine if my family was devastated by a tornado and lost our homes,” said Johnson. "I want to give hope to people down in Tuscaloosa and let them know that there are always people willing to spend time and energy to help them. I am also looking forward to spending a little bit of time with people from Detroit in Tuscaloosa. It should be a pretty fun experience and I already know that there are several events scheduled for us down there including meeting the mayor.”

For more information on the UDM's University Ministry and its programs, contact Drew Peters at (313) 993-1560 or go to the University Ministry website.